Pretoria, or Tshwane as it is to be renamed, once had the dubious distinction of being South Africa’s most staidly city. But it has been in the throes of renaissance following the first free elections in 1994 and it is now widely regarded as one of the country’s finest cities. It has got the mix of vibrant life and tranquil suburbia just right; made all the more beautiful in spring by the flowering of the ubiquitous jacaranda trees that turn the city purple overnight.
Jacaranda City, as it is popularly known, is home to many of the international diplomatic corps as well as the official seat of government, the Union Buildings, giving the city a cosmopolitan edge. While it’s proximity to Johannesburg – an hour by car – makes it the ideal alternative for tourists wanting a little less hustle and bustle. 
And it has a multitude of attractions for the visitor.
Exploring the Past
Founded in 1854, Pretoria has been at the centre of South Africa’s troubled past, which makes it rich in history.
Start where it all began in Church Square, which is surrounded on all sides by beautifully preserved historic buildings. Also in the centre of town are smaller, more specialised sites such as Kruger House, the Eksteen Transport Technology Museum, the Police Museum and the Transvaal Museum. A short walk from here will bring you to the Museum of Natural History and Melrose House, an exquisite example of Victorian architecture.
Moving further afield you will find the Fort Klapperkop Military Museum and the famed Voortrekker Monument. Not far from here is Jan Smuts’s old house in Irene, which is open to the public.
Honouring the Struggle
Pretoria, too, played a leading role in the freedom struggle. Township tours will take you to important liberation sites in Atteridgeville, Mamelodi and Mandela Village.
By far and away the most ambitious monument of all is Freedom Park, a one-stop heritage precinct situated on Salvokop close to the Voortrekker Monument. It will only be completed in 2009, but it is possible to arrange private tours of the site through the Freedom Park Trust.
All the World’s a Stage
Theatre lovers are well catered for in Pretoria. The bigger musical and dramatic productions, as well as a plethora of ballet, opera and cabaret shows can be seen at the State Theatre complex in the centre of town.
Smaller, more experimental fare and cabaret can be seen at other independent theatres around town. The best of these is the historic Breytenbach Theatre, home to the excellent student productions put on by the Tswhane University of Technology’s drama and musical theatre departments.
Art Smart
Pretoria is an art-mad city, as evidenced by the wide variety of art galleries dotted around town. Among the best are the Pretoria Art Museum, where both travelling and permanent exhibits of South African art are on show, and the African Window for contemporary and ethnic artwork.
Dance the Night Away
Night owls can party until the sun rises at a variety of nightclubs, pubs and live music venues.
A must for any visitor is Tings an’ Times in Hatfield. A reggae and pita bar, it is arguably the most popular party spot in town and often features DJs and live bands playing everything from hard rock to mellow jazz. For a more reserved night out don’t miss the Cuban Café or Rhapsody’s, the two best venues for sundowners.
The Great Outdoors
Pretoria is blessed with a fantastic climate and there are plenty of sports facilities, as well as a variety of day walks and other outdoor excursions. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon is watching birds from a hide at the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Brooklyn, relaxing on the grass of Magnolia Dell, or strolling through the beautiful Pretoria Botanical Gardens.
Animal lovers will not want to miss a trip to the excellent National Zoological Gardens, with an equally good snake park and aquarium next door.
And if, by some miraculous chance, you find yourself without anything to do, Pretoria is a great base from which to explore the northern parts of the country where game reserves and adventure sports are king.
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